The Heiress They Couldn't Break (Amelia and Jeremy) novel Chapter 655

Now that the obnoxious adopted daughter, Gianna, had been kicked out and the grandsons had owned up to what they'd done—doing everything they could to win their real sister back—Ursula felt relieved.

Time helped, too. Family came and went, keeping her company, coaxing her to eat, and talking her through the worst moments. Little by little, her spirits lifted.

Hearing that Amelia's future was finally falling into place made her breathe easier than she had in a long time.

"Jeremy's always been steady," she said, holding Amelia's hand. The lines at the corners of her eyes crinkled with a genuine smile. "And he's devoted to you. With him by your side, this old woman can finally rest.

"Whatever you young people want for the engagement, just say it. Grandma will go along with it." Then her tone firmed. "But the proper courtesies still matter. The Nygards may not be the Currans, but we're still a well-known family. No one's going to shortchange my girl."

She'd called Amelia back to Nygard Estate on purpose. Dinner was part of it, of course. She missed her. But she also wanted to talk about marriage.

"Absolutely," Thea said from the side, serious as a judge. "Amelia's the Nygards' little princess. We all dote on her. No one's going to let her be wronged."

"You don't have to worry." Amelia blinked at them, looking playful and confident. "I'm not exactly helpless."

She trusted her relationship with Jeremy. She liked Whitney a lot. Even Bridget seemed different lately, softer in a genuine way, even if she didn't know how to show it.

Amelia could feel the care beneath the awkwardness.

As for Wade, he didn't have the same support as before, and he wasn't in a position to cause trouble. So no, she didn't think she was walking into suffering.

"That's good. That's good," Ursula said, visibly relieved. "Once you know when they're free, we'll schedule another dinner and talk through everything properly. We're available whenever."

It was true. Retirement suited her. She had time for whatever the younger generation needed.

"Okay," Amelia said, nodding obediently. "I'll tell you once it's set."

With that settled, the mood lightened and everyone ate and chatted comfortably.

After a while, Thea hesitated. She looked like she wanted to say something but couldn't find the right moment.

She remembered being little—Emery sewing her a dress for her birthday and sitting by her bed all night when she was sick.

Then Gianna arrived, and everything started to change.

Ursula watched her in silence and patted her hand. "Amelia, I know there's a knot in your heart. But blood isn't something you can cut clean."

Thea nodded. "She's still your mother, no matter what. An engagement is a big deal. If she's there to help, you'll have less on your shoulders. Some things are easier once you say them out loud to each other."

Amelia looked up. The hope in their faces made her throat tighten as her emotions pulled her in opposite directions.

She knew they meant well. She also knew Emery might truly regret what she'd done. But the wound was too deep. It wasn't something that could be smoothed over with a simple make up.

She gave a small, barely there sound. "Mm."

After a pause, she quietly said, "I understand, Aunt Thea. Grandma. I'll think about it. I'll really think about it."